Broken Bridge

5

It was the end of the summer and Rose finally showed up.

"I mean, we're moving and dad didn't want me in the way." She said, picking her nails. "So, I'll help here." So she'll 'help' here. She walked away before anyone could say anything.

"She won't be helping at all." Leo said.

"We know." Everyone said. Mom turned to me.

"Luna, are you ready to go to the same school as Leo and Rose?" She asked. "I mean, you already go to school with Olive and Jack, but two more cousins is better!"

"I'm not ready." I said. "I'm ready for Leo and a bit for Autumn-"

"That's aunt Autumn."

"Fine aunt Autumn. I'm ready for Leo and a bit for her but I'm not ready for Marc and Rose." I said. "I'll never be ready for them."

"Rose is your family." Mom said. "And even though none of the family likes Marc, he's still family."

"I don't care!" I said. "Rose hasn't ever been nice to me and you guys always say bad things about Marc!" Mom sighed.

"You'll survive Luna." She said. "You don't always get everything you want."

"I know that." I said and walked away to finish packing my stuff. Me and my siblings hugged Carol and Cassie goodbye.

"I wish you could live near us." Willow said. "I hate having to wait a year to see you guys."

"Us too." Cassie said. "See you next summer?"

"See you next summer." Me and my sisters said. Me, Willow, Mom, Aurora, Olive, Jack, Massie, Autumn, Leo, and Rose took the same boat while Carol and Cassie took their own. It was cramped in the boat but there was enough room for everyone to sit down and have a couple inches of leg room. Rose's birthday was in the beginning of the school year and she wouldn't shut up about it.

"You don't have to buy me to things mom." She said loudly. "Neither does dad. You only have to buy me one thing. You know why? You're the only people in this family who've been nice to me my entire life. I thought my aunts would and Grandpapa and Grannie but I guess not. I don't know why they're mean to me. I'm an angel."

"Yes sweetie." Autumn said. "You are an angel. You're perfect." Everyone rolled their eyes. How could Rose be an angel? She's a rich brat! We were all probably brats when we were little but not anymore. At school, Rose is probably going to be a popular bully.

When we got home mom instantly called Autumn.

"How's the new house?" She asked.

"It's great!" Autumn said. "Me and Marc are thinking about having a barbecue. We've already invited Massie and the twins. Wanna come?"

"That would be great!" Mom said.

"It starts at 7:30 and we don't know when it ends yet." Autumn said. "Are you coming?"

"Yes!" Mom said. "Of course!" They hung up and mom turned to me, Willow, and Aurora. "You three better behave yourselves." She said. "This is your aunt and cousin's first time here. Be happy for them."

"Mom, we are happy for them." Willow said.

"Good." Mom said. "I'll give you each a dress before we leave." She turned and walked away.

"I'm not ready for this." Willow said.

"I don't think any of us is." Aurora said.

Mom gave us each different dresses. Willow had gotten a green dress that brought out her eyes. Aurora got a blue dress that looked amazing on her. They all complimented me on my white dress and said I looked good in it. I didn't feel to good in it though. I don't really wear dresses that much or anything girlie.

"Are you girls ready?" Mom asked. We nodded and followed her to the car. The way their Mom kept rambling on about how to act around Marc, Autumn, and my cousins. I couldn't wait to see the twins and Leo.

When we got out of the car I could already smell the barbecue. Autumn and Rose met us in the driveway. They were both wearing dresses. I wouldn't put dresses and barbecue in the same sentence though. What if you stained your dress or suit with some ketchup? I mean, I'm not a clean freak, but Rose and Autumn are. But, they could do what they want. And I just had to tag along.

"It's good to see you Jessica." Autumn said. "You too Aurora, Luna, and Willow."

"It's good to see you too." Me and my sisters said instinctively.

"Well," Autumn said. "Massie and the twins are already here and Marc has started the hot dogs."

"Do we have to have hot dogs?" Rose complained. "Why can't we have salad?"

"We do have salad." Autumn said. "You can have that instead of hot dogs."

"But that salad is the kind that you get at the store frozen. And all together. Why can't you have the cook make salad."

"We don't have a cook here." Autumn said. "So that's what you have for dinner." Rose stomped her foot.

"I don't want that salad!" Rose said.

"Lets go." Autumn said firmly. "If you don't want to eat what we have, go to your room and wait 'till tomorrow."

"You can't do that!" Rose said.

"Yes I can." Autumn turned to me, Mom, and my sisters. "Sorry, you can go to the back while I deal with Rose." Mom nodded and led us to the back of Autumn's mansion. Leo, Olive, and Jack jumped up and ran to give us hugs. Massie was talking to a tall, muscular man with dirty blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes. Marc. My whole body froze. He was exactly how I remembered him. Massie noticed us and waved. Marc turned his diamond eyes moved to look directly at me. A bone chilling wave pushed through my spine as his unwavering stare passed over me. This man was no good. And Autumn was too blind to see it.